transfer pump wireing

[PSDF350]

I need to wire my transfer pump and I can honestly say I hate anything electrical. so any suggestions greatly appreciated. I have dual batteries in my truck the diagram showing how to do is for single batt. should I wire to just one or both. also should I use a fuse or cercuit breaker.

[digger242j]

Now, don't quote me on this, cause I'm no electrician either, (I've never hooked up a transfer pump, just snowplows), but...

The two batteries in the truck are connected in parallel. That means you've still got 12 volts (if they were connected in series, you'd get 24 volts). You should be able to follow the wiring diagram for one battery. No need to hook up to both, as they're already hooked to each other.

Does it show a fuse in the diagram? If so, I'd definitely use a fuse or circuit breaker. Not that the wiring itself is any more of a hazard than any of your other wiring, but if something does go bad, you don't want to burn up a tankful of fuel with the truck--it's so darn expensive these days.

[PSDF350]

Thanks Digger! it says to use either a fuse or cercuit breaker. so I was wondering which would be best.

[Steve Frazier]

LOL!!! I replied at the other forum, though I knew I had seen a different answer than I saw there!!

[digger242j]

Thanks Digger! it says to use either a fuse or cercuit breaker. so I was wondering which would be best.

I can't blame you for asking the same question in a number of different forums. There's always the possibility that you'll get a better answer from a smarter source. That's the case here.

For the benefit of our HEF members who live in parts of the world that don't have the privelege of plowing snow in the winter like we do, (and so probably haven't checked out the LTS site), I'll quote the answer you got over at Let's Talk Snow :

You only have to wire it to one battery.Use 8-10 Ga wire,and a 30 amp auto reset circuit breaker.The pumps tend to draw a lot of amps when starting,and when it's cold,and a regular fuse will blow.Using thicker wire will make the pump work better and last longer.

That answer was from Wyldman. I think I've only seen one instance when I didn't agree with what he'd said, and I don't remember what that was about.
Far be it from me to try and answer a mechanical question any better than Chris does.

[PSDF350]

I was posting over there becuase I knew I would get an answer from wyldman ( who is very intelligent). but I figuired I would ask here too just in case there are other dummies like me who know nothing about this. but have a need to know. since probably most on this site have transfer pumps. if that made any sense.

[will_gurt]

You can treat it as one battery if it is indeed 12 volts. The circut breaker would be the way to go, it will reset itself should it trip. The breaker is a conveinence thing. THe fuse will blow if there is a short too, However the powert will stay off for the pump.

[PSDF350]

Thanks Will!

[will_gurt]

A bit of advice. Do not under any conditions NOT install this with out some type of circut interuptor. My brainiac brother did this for a cb radio. It resulted in a near total loss wiring fire on his brand new pick up.

[PSDF350]

Will as in cercuit breaker or fuse?

[CascadeScaper]

When installing car stereo systems, I know this isn't the same thing, we use large 6 or 8 guage wire with a large inline fuse. Usually install in the engine compartment and this will protect the system from a power overload. Sorry, I'm just being my 18 year old, teenager self, but there's my wiring knowledge.

[will_gurt]

PSDF350 ,
Either is good. Once a fuse blows the circut is dead until you replace it. A breaker will reset itself. If there is a short, of some sort, the breaker will repeatedly trip.

What happened with my brother was the power wire was riding on a sharp edge of metal. wore thru the wire cover and caused a short. Because there was no fuse the wire kept in contact and caused a fire in the dash area of the pick up. Close to $5000 damage.

[PSDF350]

now that was a costly mistake. one i'm sure he will never make again. thank you. (note to self keep away from sharp edges). cascadescaper your audio wire is what is recomended by a very knowlegable guy (wyldman) over on letstalksnow. so you keep beign your 18 yr old self.

[CT18fireman]

Just another option you may want to add. I ran a heavy duty continious relay after the circuit breaker. It is turned on by a low current feed from a switch in the cab. This prevents anyone from fueling without access to the cab of the truck. Just another small bit of security for a relatively low cost.

[PSDF350]

Thanks Jesse! I was thinking of doing something like that. now I have a better idea how. again thanks. keep the suggestions comming guys just becuase I dont answer over the next few days dont think i'm set. I'm not I am just in Washington DC. I will be leaving in a couple hours.

[digger242j]

now that was a costly mistake. one i'm sure he will never make again.

You don't know Will's brother. :rolleyes:

[2004F550]

Hmm..just a convience thing get a switch panel from a place like awdirect.com that way you can wire the pump, strobes, flood lights you may have or may get at some point all into one switch panel. Then you have room to add on later and a cleaner wiring job.

[PSDF350]

You don't know Will's brother. :rolleyes:
:lmao :lmao

that is a good idea F550 thanks

[DKinWA]

This just came to me recently and thought you might be interested. I recently wanted to take my transfer tank out for a couple of days and then I thought about having to deal with the pump wiring. Now I'm going to install a trailer plug under the bed rail so I can unplug the pump when I need to remove the tank. This would be a lot faster than opening the cover on the pump and disconnecting the wires. I don't take the tank out much, but it would sure make things easier when I do.

[PSDF350]

interesting idea DK thanks.

[CT18fireman]

I would use a heavier plug. I used the same style as fleet trucks use for jumper cables and winch companies also use.

Incidently I remove mine to install an exlectric V-box which with the switch in the cab I can run from the same wiring. Unplug the tank in the fall and install the sander using the same plug.